Abstract

The author discusses the lessons the global financial crisis taught about the precious but fragile liquidity of capital markets. Debunking myths about long-term investors’ liquidity needs and the role of hedge funds and high-frequency traders in supplying liquidity, the author argues that the most important source of liquidity is unleveraged contrarian investors who are willing to take the other side of a trade. He warns that the growing homogenization and concentration of market participants may be endangering the investor diversity and robust market infrastructure needed to preserve reliable sources of liquidity.